Security cautions urged for wireless computer users

A word of caution morning for wireless computer users. Beware of something called war-driving. <br><br>People with laptops and basic software; drive through neighborhoods and past businesses to find out

Thursday, November 14th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A word of caution morning for wireless computer users. Beware of something called war-driving.

People with laptops and basic software; drive through neighborhoods and past businesses to find out who has a wireless computer system. If your system isn't protected, anyone could sit outside your house and use your Internet or send emails over your system for free.

They could also see all the information you have stored or wreak havoc with your system. All of that is illegal. But some war-drivers want to find the wireless networks, just to warn people to protect their systems with passwords. Bob Bishop with Keystonia Technologies, "People truly don't understand that it's not limited by the wall of your house. It doesn't stay in the walls, it floods over to the street of your neighborhood."

Tulsa has more than 200 wireless computer systems. More than 80% aren't protected. The easiest way to protect them is to change the settings that come from the manufacturer.